Vuniwaqa: More Action key to Tackle Domestic Abuse
Minister at groundbreaking ceremony for shelter to house victims of domestic abuse.
The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, feels more action is needed to address domestic violence.
Ms Vuniwaqa reiterated that domestic violence against women and children was on the rise in the country adding that cultural practices that contradicted achieving a domestic free society should be eliminated. As a solution to the social stigma, Ms Vuniwaqa is appealing to all men to seriously think about their roles and behaviour towards women and to their families.
“If their culturally interpreted role is to bully children and women then it is time to relook at this,” she said while addressing guests during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Golden Age Home in Natabua, Lautoka, yesterday.
Statistics by the Fiji Women’s Crises Centre states that 64 per cent of partnered women have experienced physical and sexual abuse. This statistic was reiterated by Ms Vuniwaqa.
“It’s time to get rid of cultural and religious laws and practices stopping us from achieving a violence free society,” she said.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to aid towards it. Every citizen can play a part in stopping crime against women and children. We do know that domestic violence against woman is happening in our communities but what are we doing about it?”
She further said: “It was not only the business of the husbands and the wives involved, but everyone involved with it. At large, it was the concern of the nation as a whole.”
Meanwhile, the partnership between Soroptimist International and the Fijian Government in building a shelter for victims of domestic abuse is a major step forward for the country.
Ms Vuniwaqa said many women and children affected by domestic violence looked for places to go, however they were unable to. But now, they would have a safe haven after the construction of the sanctuary in Natabua Lautoka. Many stakeholders attended at the groundbreaking ceremony in Lautoka.